Historic Southside, Old Munichburg plan moves forward in Jefferson City

The Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of a plan to revitalize a major district in the city.

The Historic Southside, Old Munichburg District and Neighborhood Plan outlines specific goals aiming to spur development and improve safety, among other things.

The district covers a large area in Jefferson City, encompassing many homes, businesses, Capital Region Medical Center, Lincoln University and more.

But much of the area is falling into disrepair.

“Drive into the south side from Monroe Street, from Madison Street, from Jefferson Street, and look at that creek. That’s an embarrassment,” Phil Freeman, with Freeman Mortuary, said to the commission. “I mean that’s the entrance to the Southside and Old Munichburg.”

About 20 percent of the buildings in the district are in poor deteriorating condition, according to the plan.

The plan also says there is a negative perception of safety in the area.

One of the goals, or development principals, outlined in the plan is to “improve actual and perceived safety.”

That includes improving roads to make sure cars, bicycles and pedestrians are safely accommodated.

“Also elements relating to improving the perception of the area in terms of it being a safe area to be and building on existing police efforts to control crime in the area,” said Eric Barron, the Jefferson City senior planner.

Other parts of the plan look to stimulate development, such as building affordable housing for Lincoln University students and adding more trails and park space.

The plan also looks to keep landlords accountable through a proposed rental conservation program to make sure their properties do not fall into disrepair.

“With a plan, with zoning, with requirements that says you’re gonna stand to certain standards in those areas, then you’re gonna increase the value of the property,” Tom Meeks, business owner and resident, said to the commission. “You’re gonna increase your value to be able to get rent out of those places.”

The City Council must still approve the plan.

It is set to hold a public hearing and vote on the issue at its meeting on Aug. 21.

You can find the full plan with a list of proposed projects and implementation timeline here.